EMERGENCY
CONTRACEPTION
“The Morning-After Pill”
STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET
What
is Emergency Contraception?
Emergency contraception,
also known as the “morning-after pill”
or post-coital contraception, is used for prevention of pregnancy after unprotected vaginal intercourse (if a contraceptive
fails or if no contraception was used). Health Services dispenses Plan B which contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone (progestin)
commonly used in birth control pills. The pills either prevent ovulation or change the uterine lining in such a way that makes implantation of a fertilized egg unlikely. These effects are temporary, only lasting a
few days.
How
effective is it?
Plan B reduces the risk of pregnancy following a single act of unprotected sex from about 8% down to 1%. This represents an 89%
reduction in the risk of pregnancy for this single act of unprotected intercourse. It is more effective the sooner treatment is started following unprotected intercourse. It is not effective as a regular or main method of birth control. It is not effective in terminating an existing pregnancy.
How is Emergency Contraception taken?
Plan B consists of two tablets taken as soon as possible within 120 hours of unprotected intercourse. (Other emergency contraception methods may be prescribed which contain more pills.)
Who
should not take Emergency Contraception?
Plan B is not recommended for women who are pregnant or suspected of being pregnant. It not recommended if you have any known allergy to progestin.
What are possible side-effects?
The most common side effect of Plan B is nausea. Less common side effects
include abdominal discomfort, fatigue, headache, irregular menstrual bleeding,
dizziness, breast tenderness, vomiting and diarrhea.
Theoretically, certain drugs such as anti-convulsants, barbiturates and the anti-tuberculosis
drug, rifampin reduce the effectiveness of progestin. You should discuss
this with your provider.
When should I contact Health Services?
Call
Health Services immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
* Unusual pain or swelling in the arms or legs
* Sharp chest pain or shortness of breath
* Severe abdominal pain
* Severe headaches
* Sudden change in vision
* Fainting or dizziness
* Heavy, prolonged vaginal bleeding
Follow-up is recommended if there is any doubt concerning your general
health or pregnancy status. You should return to Health Services if you
do not get your period when expected.
Does Emergency Contraception protect me against sexually transmitted infections?
Plan B does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases including
HIV. Health Services recommends the use of latex condoms to protect yourself
from STDs.
For more information about the Morning-After-Pill,
please call the Nurses' Station at x2813
from 8:00 a.m. to Midnight while the college is in session.
References: 1) Low dose mifepristone and two regimens of levonorgestrel for emergency contraception: a WHO multicentre randomized trial, Lancet: Vol.360, Dec.7, 2002. 2) Uphold and Graham, Clinical Guidelines in Family Practice, Florida, 2003, p. 692-693. 3) Felicia H. Stewart, MD, Center for Reproductive Health Research & Policy, University of California, San Francisco (as presented at the ACHA annual meeting, Miami, May 2003) 4) Women's Capital Corporation: go2planB
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